Parametric Auto-Labeled INCH Hose Adapter

Description

This is a fully parametric straight double barbed hose connector based on practical inch-size presets, with:

selectable inch hose size on both sides
independent barb length on both sides
independent grip level on both sides
automatic engraved size identification
automatic structural protection
continuous internal passage

Unlike fixed-size hose joiners, this adapter allows both barbed ends to be customized independently directly in OpenSCAD / MakerWorld Customizer.

This makes it possible to create:

straight hose connectors
hose-to-hose couplers
same-size hose joiners
reducing hose adapters
inch preset hose fittings
prototype hose routing parts
custom workshop hose connectors

Each generated fitting automatically includes:

the selected inch hose size engraved on one hex face
the selected opposite inch hose size engraved on an adjacent face
a continuous internal through-hole
automatic minimum wall protection
automatically generated barb geometry
a central hexagonal wrench / grip section

The labels update automatically whenever the Customizer parameters are changed.

This makes every printed fitting immediately identifiable without manually adding text, renaming the model or measuring the part after printing.

The model is designed to connect two flexible rubber, silicone or soft PVC hoses.

It combines four main functional features:

a parametric barbed hose connection on side 1
a parametric barbed hose connection on side 2
a central hexagonal section
automatic engraved inch-size identification

This is the Inch Preset Version of the model.

The user selects practical inch hose presets, while the internal geometry is generated in millimeters for accurate OpenSCAD / MakerWorld Customizer operation.

The remaining technical dimensions are calculated automatically, including:

barb diameter
barb height
number of barbs
barb spacing
internal passage
minimum wall thickness
minimum hexagonal size
engraved inch hose labels
overall connector length

The complete adapter maintains a minimum radial wall thickness of 1.8 mm beneath the barb roots and across the central body.

If the selected dimensions require a larger external body, the generator automatically adjusts the geometry to preserve the required structural thickness.

Main Unique Features

Independent Inch Preset Double Barbed Ends

Both hose sides are independently adjustable using inch-size presets.

This allows the same model to generate:

same-size inch hose connectors
inch hose reducers
compact hose joiners
long-grip hose connectors
soft-hose adapters
custom workshop fittings

Example:

1/4" → 1/4"
3/8" → 1/2"
1/2" → 3/4"
3/4" → 1"

Each side has its own:

inch hose preset
barb length
grip level

This makes it possible to adapt the connector to different hose materials and different retention requirements.

Automatic Engraved Identification

The selected hose sizes are automatically engraved on two adjacent flat faces of the hexagonal body.

Example:

Ø1/2" Ø3/4"

This identifies the fitting as:

1/2 inch hose side
3/4 inch hose side

The text is:

generated automatically
centered on the hexagonal faces
correctly oriented
engraved rather than embossed
updated with every parameter change
permanently visible after printing

The engraving depth is approximately:

0.45 mm

This provides clear identification without significantly weakening the hexagonal body.

The identification feature is especially useful for:

workshop storage
sets of similar fittings
prototype testing
maintenance kits
organized parts drawers
repeated production
identifying fittings after use
separating similar inch hose sizes
avoiding repeated measurements

Intended Applications

The model is intended for light-duty workshop, DIY, maker, hobby and prototype applications such as:

flexible rubber hose connections
silicone tube connections
soft PVC hose adapters
hose-to-hose couplers
inch preset reducing hose connectors
low-stress drain or vent lines
custom cooling circuits
prototype fluid routing
experimental air routing
utility hose connections
custom machine accessories
non-critical low-pressure connections
test benches
temporary workshop setups

The barbs are automatically generated according to:

selected inch hose preset
available insertion length
selected grip level
minimum structural wall thickness

A hose clamp is recommended whenever secure retention is required.

Part of the CiCadesign Parametric Hose Connector System

This model is part of a growing collection of functional and customizable hose, tube and threaded adapters designed for:

workshop use
DIY applications
prototyping
light-duty fluid routing
experimental setups
machine accessories
functional FDM printing

Other connector variants are available on my profile, including:

straight barbed adapters
angled adapters
T connectors
Y connectors
smooth sleeve connectors
reducing adapters
Metric versions
Inch Preset versions
male threaded hose adapters
female threaded hose adapters

Main Features

Fully parametric straight double barbed hose connector
Independent inch hose preset on both sides
Independent barb length on both sides
Independent grip level on both sides
Automatic engraved size identification
Inch hose size engraved on one hex face
Opposite inch hose size engraved on an adjacent face
Labels automatically updated by the Customizer
Inch Preset version
Geometry generated internally in millimeters
Barbed connection for flexible hoses
Central hexagonal wrench / grip section
Adjustable wrench size across flats
Adjustable hexagonal section length
Automatic barb number calculation
Automatic barb geometry scaling
Adjustable grip level
Continuous internal through-hole
Minimum radial wall of 1.8 mm
Automatic minimum wall protection
Automatic minimum hexagon size control
Compact straight geometry
No external OpenSCAD libraries required
Printable on standard FDM printers
Designed for workshop and prototype use
Suitable for strong high-wall-count profiles

Editable Parameters

The Customizer exposes only the essential parameters.

All other technical dimensions and engraved labels are calculated automatically.

Suggested Parameter Ranges

Recommended inch hose presets include:

1/4"
5/16"
3/8"
1/2"
5/8"
3/4"
1"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"

Parameter Meaning

TUBE_SIZE_1 / TUBE_SIZE_2

These parameters control the nominal hose size on both sides using inch presets.

Example:

TUBE_SIZE_1 = 1/2"
TUBE_SIZE_2 = 3/4"

generates the engraved labels:

Ø1/2"
Ø3/4"

The model automatically converts the selected inch presets into the corresponding metric geometry used by OpenSCAD.

The retaining barb crests are slightly larger than the nominal hose size, while the barb root and body remain referenced to the selected preset.

The generator guarantees at least 1.8 mm of radial wall thickness beneath the barb roots.

For very rigid hoses, use a lower grip level.

For soft rubber or silicone hoses, a higher grip level can provide stronger retention.

BARB_LENGTH_1 / BARB_LENGTH_2

These parameters control the total axial length of each barbed hose section.

A longer barbed section provides:

more hose contact area
more retaining barbs
stronger mechanical retention
better resistance to hose removal
more space for a hose clamp

A shorter barbed section provides:

a more compact fitting
faster printing
lower material consumption
easier installation in restricted spaces

Recommended starting values:

The number of barbs is generated automatically from the available length.

GRIP_LEVEL_1 / GRIP_LEVEL_2

These parameters control the interference and aggressiveness of the barb geometry on each side.

Recommended starting value:

GRIP_LEVEL = 3

Higher grip levels increase:

barb height
hose interference
mechanical retention
resistance to accidental removal

Lower grip levels are more suitable for:

rigid tubing
harder PVC hoses
repeated assembly and removal
delicate or thin-wall hoses

A hose clamp is still recommended whenever secure retention is required.

The minimum 1.8 mm structural wall is maintained independently of the selected grip level.

Automatic Minimum Wall Protection

The connector is designed never to generate less than 1.8 mm of radial wall thickness in the principal structural areas.

The minimum wall is protected:

beneath the barb roots
around the internal passage
across the flat faces of the hexagonal body
through the transition between sections

When the selected wrench size is too small, the hexagonal body is enlarged automatically.

If the hose sizes cannot preserve both the internal passage and the minimum structural wall, OpenSCAD stops generation with a clear assertion message instead of creating a fragile or invalid part.

Internal Passage

The model includes a continuous axial through-hole from one hose side to the other.

The internal passage is calculated from the selected hose presets while preserving:

a practical internal bore
the minimum 1.8 mm structural wall
smooth internal continuity
valid printable geometry

For unrestricted flow, avoid combining a very large hose with a much smaller opposite hose unless a reducing adapter is intentionally required.

Example Inch Presets

Recommended naming logic:

Hose side 1 → Hose side 2

Example:

1/2" → 3/4"

The generated fitting will automatically show:

Ø1/2" Ø3/4"

on the two adjacent hexagonal faces.

Printing Recommendations

Recommended materials:

Suggested print settings:

For this type of functional fitting, many walls are more important than a high infill percentage.

A profile using approximately 10 walls/perimeters can make the fitting almost solid, improving:

barb strength
hose insertion resistance
clamp resistance
durability around the hexagonal transition
engraved label definition

Use good layer adhesion and properly dried filament, especially with nylon-based materials.

Print Orientation Notes

The recommended orientation is to print the adapter at approximately 40–45° relative to the build plate.

This orientation generally provides:

better mechanical strength between the two barbed sections and the hexagonal body
improved layer distribution along the complete adapter
cleaner barb geometry
clearer engraved labels
reduced risk of weak layer separation at the hexagonal transition
better overall surface quality

Position the model so that the engraved hex faces are kept away from direct support contact whenever possible.

Recommended Support Setup

Use normal snug supports, not organic or tree supports.

Recommended starting values:

Support type: Normal snug
Support placement: Build plate only
Support line distance: 2.5 mm
Top interface layers: 2
Interface pattern: Solid / Dense
Top Z distance from model: 0.10 mm
Raft layers: 2

Position the model so that the supports mainly contact:

the lower side of the barbed section
the underside of the hexagonal body
the lower transition areas

Avoid placing direct support contact on:

engraved text
the main retaining edges of the barbs
the hose sealing surfaces

A brim is recommended, especially when printing with:

ASA
ABS
PA
PA-CF

Suggested Use

Select the inch preset corresponding to the first hose.
Select the inch preset corresponding to the second hose.
Choose the required hose insertion lengths using BARB_LENGTH_1 and BARB_LENGTH_2.
Start with GRIP_LEVEL_1 = 3 and GRIP_LEVEL_2 = 3.
Choose a suitable wrench size using HEX_AF.
Set the desired hexagonal section length.
Generate the model in OpenSCAD or MakerWorld Customizer.
Verify the automatic engraved labels in the preview.
Print the final connector.
Test the hose fit before installation.
Use hose clamps where necessary.
Check the complete assembly carefully before real use.

Important Safety Notes

This model is intended for non-critical, light-duty, workshop, prototype and hobby use only.

Do not use this printed part for:

high-pressure systems
compressed-air safety-critical systems
fuel lines
brake lines
hydraulic systems
gas installations
drinking water systems
food-contact applications
medical applications
very hot fluids
steam
toxic chemicals
hazardous chemicals
structural lifting systems
applications where failure could cause injury, flooding, fire or serious damage

3D printed parts can fail depending on:

material
print orientation
layer adhesion
temperature
chemical exposure
pressure
hose stiffness
clamp pressure
UV exposure
fatigue
vibration
long-term creep

The engraved labels identify the selected nominal dimensions but do not represent pressure, temperature or chemical certification.

Always test the connector carefully before use.

The designer is not responsible for misuse, leakage, damage or failure caused by improper application.

Print Profile Note

This is a fully parametric OpenSCAD / MakerWorld Customizer model with:

independent double barbed ends
inch-size presets
automatic engraved size identification
automatic structural protection

The project is intended to allow users to generate their own:

hose size side 1
hose size side 2
barb length side 1
barb length side 2
grip level side 1
grip level side 2
wrench size
hexagonal length

instead of relying only on fixed-size print profiles.

Every generated fitting automatically displays its hose sizes on the hexagonal body.

For functional parts, I recommend using:

6–10 walls
approximately 10 walls for an almost solid fitting
good layer bonding
properly dried filament
careful support placement around the engraved faces
proper material selection for the intended use

Users should slice the generated version according to:

printer
nozzle size
material
selected dimensions
hose stiffness
intended application

Verified community print profiles are welcome and appreciated.

Customizer Note

The parametric model is intended to be edited through OpenSCAD or MakerWorld Customizer using the desktop version.

The exposed user parameters are:

TUBE_SIZE_1
TUBE_SIZE_2
BARB_LENGTH_1
BARB_LENGTH_2
GRIP_LEVEL_1
GRIP_LEVEL_2
HEX_AF
HEX_LENGTH

The user selects the required fitting dimensions using inch presets.

The model automatically generates:

the barb geometry
the continuous internal passage
the minimum 1.8 mm structural walls
the required hexagonal body size
the inch hose size engraving on both sides

Bambu Handy is mainly intended for direct printing from ready-made print profiles and may not provide full access to all editable Customizer parameters.

For best results, use OpenSCAD or MakerWorld Customizer from a desktop browser.